Beatin’ the Heat

by Maureen Gillum

Mark Philips, 3, had a great time cooling off

While the temperatures and humidity have thankfully subsided a bit, earlier this week the area was blasted by a brutal heat wave.  In driving around the area to see how people best coped with New England’s infamous 3 Hs – hazy, hot and humid – we found most people were semi-comfortably inside at work, home or play utilizing fans and air conditioning for some much needed relief.

The Hudson Recreation Center’s summer program for kids at the Hudson Community Center is always bustling with activities both inside and outside.  “Not today, it’s just too hot,” shared Dave Yates wiping his brow, “the Hudson Fire Department even tried to come by to spray the kids, but the hydrants were too far to reach and their tank water was too hot to use.”  So, on Monday and Tuesday of this week, the white shade tents in the back of the HCC stood empty as about 240 kids happily remained inside with air conditioning watching movies, playing air hockey, foosball, and lots of other activities.  “On hot days like this, we keep them inside and well hydrated,” said Rec counselor, Sarah Jardin, “our main strategy is to keep everyone entertained.”

Hudson Brothers, Dean (left, 5) and Dylan (right, 3) Wells, enjoy a cool ice cream at Robinson Pond on a “really, really hot day.”

Still, there were plenty of people whose jobs, recreation, or preference kept them outside trying to beat the heat.  Despite the heat, many area kids still incredibly hit the Alvirne soccer fields and Caramba soccer camp this week.  Workers like the Verizon guys putting in Hudson’s new fiber cable throughout the town or the road crews working on Route 102 sweated it out as well.  “It’s really brutal,” shared Kelly Kyriakides, of New England Traffic Control, under her hard hat and wearing sunglasses, “it doesn’t get any hotter than this.”  Fighting the extreme heat on the hot tar for up to 10 hours a day, Kelly admitted she and her crew “drink lots and lots of water.”

With heat indices soaring into the 100s earlier this week, southern New Hampshire and most of the country faced its first serious heat wave.  Hudson resident and meteorologist, Dr. Mike Adams, a retired Air Force Weather Officer, employed by General Dynamics explains, “the heat index (apparent temperature) is what we need to focus on as it determines our real comfort level by combining the effects of air temperature or heat with humidity.”  Adams equates the summer heat index (heat and humidity) to the winter’s wind chill factor (temperature and wind) as to what “weather actually feels like.”  Quite simply, “as the humidity increases, especially upwards to 50 percent like it hit this week, our comfort levels decrease.”

Girls Scouts (from left) Kaley Missert (8), Abby Borroto (6) and Isabella Capone (8) cooling off at Robinson Pond’s Camp Winahupe.

Dr. Adams also warns, with heat advisories the sweltering conditions can be down right “dangerous, especially for very young, elderly or anyone with health issues like asthma.”  The ‘Weather Doc’ advises, “frequent hydration, limited outdoor exposure, and slowing down to take it easier and try to stay cool.”  Wearing sunscreen and light colored clothing also helps.  “The first major heat wave of the year always gets a lot of attention,” noted Adams, “but the extraordinary thing about his one is how expansive it is -- heat indices of 100-plus are clear across the country this week.”

Contrary to what you might think, hot days aren’t typically best for ice cream sales.  “Business often drops off a bit on real hot days as most everyone stays inside,” shares Dave Forzese, owner of Findeisen’s Ice Cream (290 Derry Road), smiling and scooping a bubble gum ice cream cone, “my best days are in the 80s, dry, and sunny – it’s the sun really brings people out for ice cream.”

Several Hudson United Soccer players trying to stay cool during a break at the Caramba Soccer camp this week.

Perhaps the best approach to stay cool is to hit the water and beaches.  Hudson’s Robinson Pond was packed with residents hanging out in and around the water this week.  Hudson brothers, Dylan (3), and Dean (5) Wells agreed Monday was “really, really hot,” but enjoyed some relief with an ice cream.  Meanwhile, loads of other kids, like Mia (3) and Morgan (16 months) Gora, and Jake (17 months) and Mark (3) Phillips just sat, swam, and splashed in the water.  Even, Moxie, a 4.5 month old black lab didn’t stray far from the pond.

Despite the heat, Girl Scout Camp Winahupe was also in full swing at Robinson Pond this week.  “The kids are coming into camp dropping like flies in this heat,” admits Camp Director, “Buckets” (Ruth Glazier).  “We’re really pushing water activities, down time and drinking lots of water,” adds Life Guard “Guppy” (Lisa Hamilton).  Playing in the water and with friends, many of the girls hardly seem to notice the weather.  Donning a blue swim cap and big smile, eight year old Isabella Capone shouted, “Camp Winahupe is awesome!” 

Findeisen Ice Cream’s owner, Dave Forzese, serves up a smile and a cool cone to Londonderry resident LeeAnn McCarthy, who says, “It’s hot!”

Wild, Wild West:  2006 Hudson’s Old Homes Days

by Jessica Clegg

The Hudson Historical Society Old Home Days Committee met Monday to finalize plans for this year’s Old Home Days which will take place on August 18 - 20.  In keeping with this year’s Wild, Wild West theme a mother - daughter team will wow you with rodeo style equestrian demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday.  Back by popular demand, the saloon (formerly known as the beer tent) will feature the Old No. 7 Band Friday night and country western music on Saturday night by the John Penny Band.

The Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast is back!  The breakfast will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Alvirne High School.  This breakfast is also the starting point for our first ever charitable Poker Run to benefit the New Hampshire Veteran’s Home.  Registration is from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

There are some big changes in parking this year.  Parking will be at both the fairgrounds and at Alvirne High School and there is some very special transportation planned for the fairgoers parking at Alvirne.

This year features some new exhibitors on Sunday including Hillsborough County Department of Corrections, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and a Native American Exhibit.

Did you say you missed the parade?  We heard you; the parade is back and kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.  However, the route has changed and the parade will begin at the Alvirne Chapel and end at the fairgrounds.

Look for future issues of the Hudson~Litchfield News for more updates and exciting news about this year’s Wild, Wild West Old Home Days.

Hudson Residents are Urged to Lock Their Vehicles

Residents are urged to lock their vehicle doors at night.  Yes, even in your own driveway.  Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle overnight.  The Hudson Police Department has been investigating several reports of thefts from vehicles in town.  Several neighborhoods have been victims of vehicle ransacking and thefts.  Through the use of Crime Mapping, officers are able to review targeted areas and enhance officer presence.

Officers are patrolling neighborhoods and have conducted several field interviews with those found out and about during the late night and early morning hours.  Suspects have been developed through investigation from the Detective Division and Patrol Officers working together.

The days of leaving your vehicle unlocked with the keys in the ignition are over.  Take your keys, lock your doors, and leave an outside light on.  If you notice any suspicious activity during the evening or early morning hours, report it to the police.

Anyone with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation into these thefts is asked to call Detective Sergeant Chuck Dyac at 886-6011.

Hudson Fire Department

Water Rescue Training

Al Winsor, Neil Pike, and victim Explorer Dan Shafas.

Captain Steve Gannon, Firefighter Dean Sullin, and victim Corey Morin.

Alvirne High School’s Articulation Agreement with CDIA at Boston University

submitted by William R. Hughen, Director of Guidance, Alvirne High School

Alvirne High School is proud to announce that they have entered into an articulation agreement with the Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA) at Boston University located in Waltham, Massachusetts.  This “tuition credit” based articulation agreement is designed to recognize both the advanced secondary level training received by the student and his/her exceptional academic performance.  Students who have received a grade of a B+ or higher in Media Production, Multimedia 1, Multimedia 2, or Graphic Design are eligible to apply for the articulation agreement.  Students who are interested in this program are encouraged to see their counselor for more details.

A Word to Our Readers

by Len Lathrop

As the Hudson~Lichfield News reported last week, there is an investigation ongoing at the Hudson Fire Department in connection with the misuse of Fire Department computers.

For our readers, who do not know two Hudson families have owned the Hudson-Litchfield News for the last six years.  Len and Eileen Lathrop and Gary and Robin Rodgers are equal partners in this publication.  Gary Rodgers is the Deputy Fire Chief in Hudson.  Over the years of being your community newspaper, many members of the Fire Department have become my friends.

For those reasons, it is impossible to report this story to you in an unbiased and fair manner.  However, in order to keep our readers informed of the situation, we have reprinted (page 5, print version of the paper) the coverage of this story written by our colleagues at the Telegraph.